Multicenter study of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms prevalence in outpatients in Russia

Abstract

Background. Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Northern Europe, North America and East Asia. However data on GERD prevalence in Russian population are very limited. Aim. To determine the prevalence of GERD among the population of Russia, the clinical spectrum of GERD symptoms, the main drugs used for GERD treatment, and the rate of their administration. Materials and methods. The study was conducted from November 2015 to January 2017 in 8 cities of Russia. A survey of patients over the age of 18 years old visiting outpatient medical institutions for any reason, including patients without gastrointestinal complaints was carried out using a short version of the Mayo Clinic questionnaire. Results. In total, 6132 questionnaires of patients aged 18–90 years were analyzed [2456 men (40.1%) and 3676 women (59.9%), mean age – 46.6±15.4 years]. The GERD prevalence among the interviewed patients was 34.2%. The incidence of GERD increased depending on body mass index and the age of the patients. Medications used by the patients for heartburn relief included proton pump inhibitors – 59.96%, antacids – 67.92%, H2-histamine receptor blockers – 11.42%, alginates – 18.41% of patients. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of GERD among residents of Russian cities applying for primary health care (34.2%). In comparison with previous studies, an increase in the proportion of GERD patients taking proton pump inhibitors was noted; in most cases the regimen of their intake was in accordance with the recommendations.